How to Spot Roof Damage After a Storm: Homeowner’s Checklist

By Ferns Roofing

on November 27, 2025

Homeowner inspecting roof shingles for storm damage with checklist

The wind howls. Rain batters your windows. Hail thumps like a drummer on the roof. When the storm finally passes, your mind races: Is my roof okay? Is it safe? At Ferns Roofing, we know that uncertainty can be just as stressful as the storm itself.

Roof damage isn’t always obvious at first glance. Hidden leaks, loosened shingles, or a small breach in the flashing can turn into costly repairs or even emergencies. That’s why we’ve put together this clear, step-by-step guide—the same approach our certified teams use every day for both homes and businesses in urgent need.

Storms don’t play favorites. Whether you own a cozy bungalow or manage a sprawling warehouse, roof damage strikes fast and in many forms. Here’s what different storms can do:

Wind: Strong gusts lift shingles, curl edges, and can rip entire sections of roofing right off. On flat roofs, wind can peel back membranes or push debris into drainage systems.
Hail: Think of hail like a hammer—relentless, unforgiving. Hailstones can bruise or crack asphalt shingles, smash tiles, and dent metal panels. Even small hail can leave pockmarks that invite leaks.
Debris: Flying branches or wind-blown objects may gouge, puncture, or block gutters and downspouts. Clogged drainage leads to pooling—a flat roof’s nemesis.
Heavy Rain and Flooding: Water finds the tiniest gaps. Persistent rain forces leaks at seams, flashing, and valleys. Over time, trapped moisture can rot decking or insulation.

Roof Type Matters:

Shingle Roofs lose granules and can curl or crack.
Tile Roofs may shatter or slide out of place.
Metal Roofs dent or shift at seams, especially if not anchored tight.
Flat Roofs are prone to pooling, membrane punctures, and hidden leaks.

According to the International Building Code (IBC) and the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), prompt post-storm inspections are critical to prevent further damage.

DIY Visual Inspection Steps: Your Ground-Level Checklist

Safety first. Never climb onto your roof after a storm—leave the heights to the pros. That said, a careful walk around your property and a peek in your attic can reveal a lot.

From the Ground:

Scan for shingles or tiles scattered in the yard.
Look for sagging, uneven lines, or obvious gaps on the roof edge.
Check gutters and downspouts for dents, clogs, or hanging pieces.
Notice any branches, leaves, or debris piled against the house or roofline.
Spot any visible holes, punctures, or exposed wood.

Inside Your Home/Attic:

Search for water stains on ceilings or walls—yellow rings are a telltale sign.
Feel for damp insulation or wet rafters in the attic.
Sniff out musty odors, which could mean slow leaks.
Listen for dripping sounds, even if you can’t see water.

Photo Checklist for Insurance:

Photograph any and all visible damage—close-ups and wide shots.
Capture serial numbers or product labels if visible (for newer roofs or components).
Document interior damage, including ceiling stains or puddles.
Keep date-stamped images. Your phone should do this automatically.

When to Call a Professional 🛠️

Some repairs can’t wait. If you spot any of the following, contact an emergency roofing service like Ferns Roofing immediately:

Water actively dripping or pooling inside your home or business.
Large sections of missing shingles, tiles, or metal panels.
Evidence of roof deck sagging or visible structural shifts.
Multiple leaks or sudden, unexplained power outages near the attic.
Chimney flashing or skylight seals visibly out of place.

Ferns Roofing’s team is certified, fully insured, and has extensive experience working with all major insurance providers. Our professionals will safely access your roof, identify damage you might miss, and provide detailed documentation to make insurance claims smoother.

Annotated Homeowner’s Checklist

After the storm, use this guide to stay safe and organized:

[ ] Walk around your building and check for fallen debris or roofing material.
[ ] Inspect gutters, downspouts, and drains—are they clear or clogged?
[ ] Snap photos of anything that looks out of place or damaged.
[ ] Go into the attic (if safe) and look for fresh leaks, stains, or daylight peeking through.
[ ] Note any odd noises, smells, or drafts.
[ ] Write down the date and storm details for your records.
[ ] Call a pro if you see water inside, sagging, or large missing sections.

Every storm leaves a different mark. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Wind:

Removes whole shingles/tiles.
Lifts and breaks roof edges.
Tears up flat roof membranes.

Hail:

Leaves dents or holes in metal.
Cracks tiles or chips shingle surfaces.
Granule loss on shingles, making them look bare or patchy.

Debris:

Branches gouge or puncture the roof.
Clogs drainage, causing water to back up.
Heavy debris can collapse gutters or downspouts.

Water:

Finds gaps at flashing, vents, or seams.
Soaks insulation—look for sagging ceilings.
Rot can set in if left unaddressed.

When to Call a Professional

Not everything needs an emergency call. But if you see:

Water actively dripping or pooling inside
Large patches of missing roofing
Sagging or obvious dips
Exposed wood, especially after heavy wind
Chimney flashing or skylight seals shifted

It’s time to get help. Ferns Roofing handles both residential and commercial properties with urgency and care. Our teams are certified, insured, and trained for all major roofing types. We know how to talk to insurance and document what matters.

What Pros Do On Arrival

When a Ferns Roofing technician arrives:

We start with a ground-level survey, then safely access the roof using industry-approved harnesses and ladders.
Detailed photo documentation is made for insurance claims—no guesswork.
Moisture meters and thermal cameras may be used to detect hidden leaks or wet insulation.
We check all critical points: flashing, gutters, skylights, chimneys, and roof valleys.
Emergency tarping or temporary repairs may be applied to stop further water intrusion.
You receive a written report, including recommended next steps, so you can make informed decisions.

Prevention & Maintenance

Storms are unpredictable, but preparation helps. Here’s how to keep your roof in fighting shape:

Trim back trees and remove dead branches regularly.
Schedule routine roof and gutter inspections, especially before peak storm seasons.
Keep gutters and downspouts clear—clogged drainage is a leading cause of damage.
Consider impact-resistant shingles or metal roofing if you’re in a hail-prone region.
Add sealants and coatings to flat roofs as recommended by manufacturers and the NRCA.
Insulate and ventilate your attic—this keeps moisture and extreme temperatures in check.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends annual roof inspections and maintenance for optimal storm resilience.

Costs & Time Factors

Storm repairs vary. Here’s what to expect:

Minor repairs (loose shingles, flashing reseal): Hours to a day.
Major repairs (structural, decking replacement, extensive leaks): Days to a week, depending on weather and material availability.
Insurance process: Document everything. Adjuster visits can take 24–72 hours after your claim.
Emergency roofing services: Tarping or stop-gap repairs are usually performed same-day.

Labor and material costs can change with storm severity, roof type, and region. Always get a written estimate and ask questions about your options.

When It’s an Emergency 🚨

Not all damage is urgent, but if you experience:

Continuous water inside your home or business
Collapsed ceilings or visible sagging
Electrical issues near the attic or roofline
Large debris puncturing through the roof

Call for emergency roofing right away. Quick action can mean the difference between a repair and a replacement.

FAQ

How soon after a storm should I inspect my roof?
As soon as it’s safe. Start with a ground-level walkaround, then call a professional if you see anything suspicious.

Can I make temporary repairs myself?
If it’s safe, you can place buckets under drips or clear debris from the ground. Avoid climbing onto the roof—damage can be hidden, and surfaces are often slippery.

Will my insurance cover storm damage?
Most policies do, but documentation is key. Take photos, save receipts, and contact your insurer promptly.

How do I know if it’s a small problem or something bigger?
Err on the side of caution. Small leaks can become major issues fast. If you’re unsure, a quick call to Ferns Roofing can help prevent bigger headaches.

Local and Seasonal Considerations

Different regions face unique storm risks:

Hail Alley (Midwest, Plains): Hail-resistant materials are a must. Annual hail storms can pummel shingles and metal alike.
Coastal Areas: Wind uplift and flying debris are common—extra fasteners and hurricane straps help.
Urban/Commercial Districts: Flat roofs collect debris and water—maintenance is critical after heavy rain.

No matter where you live or work, Ferns Roofing adapts to local codes and weather patterns. We stay updated with the latest building regulations and best practices, so you don’t have to.

Storms don’t wait for business hours—and neither do we. If your roof needs urgent attention or you’re worried about hidden storm damage, don’t risk it.

Call Ferns Roofing now — or reach us anytime at 877-362-4465 .